King County Juvenile Division

The King County Juvenile Division is responsible for the care and custody of youth in detention. State law requires King County to provide a juvenile detention facility.

King County uses detention sparingly and only for the most serious or violent crimes and high-risk offenders. While in detention, youth attend school and have access to a wide range of programs and services. The focus is on rehabilitation, not punishment, and ensuring community safety. King County is committed to helping youth involved in Juvenile Court develop into healthy, productive adults.

Youth Services Center

The King County Youth Services Center (YSC) houses the Juvenile Detention Center, Juvenile Court, and Juvenile Court services as well as juvenile divisions of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Department of Judicial Administration. The Youth Services Center is located at 1211 E. Alder St. in Seattle's Central District neighborhood.

New Children and Family Justice Center Coming in 2019

King County is building a new Children and Family Justice Center to replace the aging Youth Services Center. This voter-approved project will provide an efficient and safe facility to support juvenile and family court, juvenile detention, and services for youth and families.